MANAUS, BRAZIL — Anavilhanas is the largest river archipelago on the planet and is located in the Brazilian Amazon. There, residents of the Tiririca community, which is part of the municipality of Novo Airão, in Amazonas state, take part in awareness efforts focused on preservation combined with sustainability.

The region, which is part of a Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS), has activities that bring benefits to residents. One of them is tourism.

Ms. Isabelle, resident of the Tiririca community
“It is wonderful to wake up and contemplate this richness of water, this richness of forest that we have here. For us, it is an honor.”
“It is very good to see water in abundance. Now, imagine how many people do not even have a little water.”
“They pray to God for rain so they can collect water. And we have such an abundance of it.”

Erlem Aguiar, tour guide
“For many, a river may just be a river. But for me, it is part of my story.”
“Because I grew up near a river, I learned to slow down, to listen and to respect nature, and that is very rewarding.”
“Being able to share with visitors a bit of our culture and our daily life is very nice, rewarding, and it makes me happy.”

Wilson Oliveira, resident of the Tiririca community
“We have the privilege of seeing this river and admiring nature. Many may not believe it, but those of us who live here are happy to contemplate the local environment.”
“The river is important to us because it is like a road — our means of access.”

Erlem Aguiar, tour guide
“Sharing this feeling, even though it is routine for us, is rewarding.”
“We truly live in a privileged region.”

Amazon Agency